2018 Festivals, Events & Celebrations in Northern Michigan

Throughout the year, Northern Michigan is the place to find fabulous festivals and special events. Based around history, the arts, outdoor activities and special celebrations such as the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix or the Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, Northern Michigan's many special events offer something for everyone.

While many of the celebrations are in the warm weather months when so many visitors and summer residents are in Northern Michigan to enjoy all that we have to offer, don't miss some special events in the Ski Season such as Krazy Days at Boyne Highlands, Mardi Gras at Nub's Nob, and Carnival at Boyne Mountain, all in March.

March

Crazy! Yes, that's March in Northern Michigan when the ski resorts celebrate the end of the ski season in style. Nub's Nob's Mardi Gras is an annual spring fling filled with zaniness. Boyne Highland's hosts Krazy Daze and Boyne Mountain celebrates with Carnival Weekend. Fun, fun!

May

MorelFest If you love morels and love to hunt for morels, then Boyne City is the place for you in early May each year. With everything from food, to music, to morel hunting contests, to a carnival for the kids, Morel Fest is a great kick off to a spring and summer.

Bike the 50 miles from the Boyne Highland's Zoo bar to Mackinac Island in the Zoo de Mack.

In Mackinaw City, the Fort Michilimackinac Pageant at Colonial Michilimackinac includes a reenactment of the 1763 battle between French, Native Americans, and British, over the Memorial Day weekend.

July

National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a week of celebrations surrounding the sweet and tart cherries. Nationally recognized as a summer treat! June 30-July 7.

Harbor Springs July 4th Art Fair is held in Zorn Park and attracts artists from around the country.

Blissfest Music Festival is a celebration of music, culture, art and community at the Festival Farm in picturesque rural northern Michigan July 13-15.

The Arts & Crafts Show in Charlevoix is unique because of the quality crafts exhibited. Visit the show July 14-15.

Women's Club Art Fest hosted the Northern Michigan Women's Club is held at Nub's Nob on July 11.

Venetian Festival in Charlevoix began 80+ years ago as a simple candle-lit boat parade and has grown into a week-long flurry of color and pageantry that highlights the summer season and attracts tens of thousands of visitors, July 21-28. For more information, visit Venetian Festival.

Art in the Park in Petoskey's Pennsylvania Park has terrific art and includes a children's tent on July 21.

Indian River Summerfest, July 19-23, includes a duck race, lobster roast, sport events, and more. Don't miss the Indian River SummerFest.

Bay Harbor Art Festival is held in the waterside community of Bay Harbor on July 26-29.

The Antique Flywheelers Show, July 28-31 has demonstrations, a petting zoo, music, dancing, and more.

August

The Polish Festival in Boyne Falls is a northern Michigan tradition you don't want to miss. Polish food, Polish music, carnival, rodeo and lots of fun! Bring your polka shoes and plan on having a blast, August 3-5.

Rendezvous in Mackinaw & 18th Century Trade Fair takes place August 2-5 in Mackinaw City.

The Portside Art Fair is in East Jordan August 4-5.

Charlevoix's Waterfront Art Fair is held August 11.

Alanson Riverfest in Alanson is a weekend that includes an art/craft show, flea market, raffles, music and some new events this year, too! August 10-12.

The Ironworkers Festival in Mackinaw City attracts ironworkers from across the US and Canada to compete in friendly competition. August 10-12.

The Odawa Homecoming, August 11-12, features drumming, dancing, and music.

Petoskey's Festival on the Bay, August 17-18.

Festival on the Bay on Petoskey's waterfront is filled with food, fun, entertainment and activities galore, August 14-15.

November

The holiday season begins Up North with the Stafford's Holiday Parade in Petoskey and the Tree Lightings in Harbor Springs and Cross Village. A great way to get in the holiday spirit! Learn more here Holiday Celebrations in Northern Michigan.

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in Northern Michigan:

Harbor Springs, Michigan -- Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike or a kayak, go snow tubing, attend a concert or an art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.Petoskey -- There's so much to do in Petoskey from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, to Petoskey State Park, to biking, golfing, hiking, and more.Charlevoix, Michigan -- Visiting Charlevoix in Northern Michigan is a fun-filled vacation with great beaches, boating, skiing, fishing and year 'round family fun.Things to Do in Boyne City, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like Boyne City in Northern Michigan with camping, boating, skiing, year 'round outdoor activities, and of course, the morel mushroom!Lots of Activities in Mackinaw City, Michigan -- Explore Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan for history, the International Dark Sky Park, and outdoor activities.Mackinac Island -- Take a step back in time and find lots of things to do when you visit Mackinac Island by horseback or bike--no cars allowed!Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!